European Forum on the Great Lakes [Forum European sur les Grands Lacs]

The European Forum on the Great Lakes serves as a facilitator for information exchange, debate, concertation and dialogue between differing parties with a common interest in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Based out of Brussels, the Forum provides a structured meeting place for these interactions to occur.

About the Forum

Objectives
We aim to reinforce the coherence of European politics as well as the coordination of multilateral and regional initiatives in the Great Lakes region. Since the onset of war in the Great Lakes region, we have tried to direct the attention of the EU towards Africa, in an effort to increase their involvement in the resolution of this conflict.

Participants
Participants include the diasporas from Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Belgian Ministry of foreign affairs and representatives from the European Union, the European Commission, the European Parliament and varioius NGOs.

Forum Content
Since it's inauguration in December 1996, we have organized Forums consisting of both instructive and constructive dialogue on a constant and regular basis. Forum topics usually center on issues that are not generally discussed in mainstream news media. Most of our lecturers come directly from the field, providing a first-hand source of information on the issues. The success of these Forums has confirmed the real and existing need for information exchange, dialogue and debate regarding Africa's Great Lakes region.

Past Lecturers
Mr. Aldo Ajello, Special Representative of the European Union for the Great Lakes region Mr. Eddy Boutmans, State Secretary for Development Cooperation Ambassador Ntahuga Sébastien, Diplomatic counselor for the President of the Republic of Burundi Madame Inyumba Aloisea, Executive secretary of Rwanda's National Unity and Reconciliation Commission

Past Topics
European Union aid to Burundi Burundi and the Arusha Agreement The Intercongolese Dialogue Arms Trafficking to the Great Lakes Region The Mission of the National Unity and the Reconciliation Commission in Rwanda Gacaca: Traditional Jurisdiction in Rwanda

Please click here to go to the European Forum on the Great Lakes archive .

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